The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2025 9:11 am
A total of ten Illawarriors have made it through to the Country Cockatoos Squad for the match against NSW Suburban at Terrigal on Saturday May 17. Probable Cockatoo captain Gavin Holder heads the list for the first of the Cockatoos matches for the year. The Country program includes matches against Australian U/20’s, Australian Services and Australian Barbarians. It’s a tough program but the players have plenty of incentive to perform with possible places in the NSW Country Eagles for the National Rugby Competition later in the year also up for grabs. On top of that opportunity there’s also the Country Tour to the USA to aim for as well. The only problem is with such a busy Country program, we might not see too much of them at a local level. The players included for the match against Subbies are Andrew Barrett (Vikings), Gavin Holder, Ben Greentree, Lee Russell(Camden), Mitch Hardy, James Smith (Shoalhaven), Andre Itula, Eli Sinoti (Avondale), Donovan Nepia, Paul Tuala (University).
The Under 14 and Under 15 Country Championships took place last week at Newcastle, with the Illawarrior Under 14 Squad winning their third straight Country Title. In a dominant display from the current phone number library NSW State Champions, the boys went through the tournament undefeated. Scoring a total of 213 points in their 5 matches, the team conceded just 2 tries all weekend, winning the final against Newcastle Hunter by 36 points to 7. Joseph Dickson won the award for the Best Forward at the Tournament and 12 players were named in the Country Under 14 Squad. Coaches Ron Davis and Kieran Smith now have the job to get the boys ready to defend their state title on the June long weekend. The Under 15’s lost their opening matches against Central Coast and Central West but recovered to win their third match 17 – 15 over New England. In the play off for fifth place the boys were too strong for Far North Coast winning 22 – 5 to finish fifth overall.
The standout match in the Super 15 this week is the top of the table clash between the Sharks and the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night. Judging by some of the comments in the press this week, it’s going to be a match with plenty of feeling. The Brumbies have the chance to consolidate their place at the top of the Aussie conference with the Waratahs having the Bye. The Rebels have a hard one at home against the Hurricanes. The Force has a chance to leapfrog the Waratahs but have to overcome the Cheetahs in the republic to do so. The Reds are up against it with the Crusaders at home. After getting seven out of seven last week, my tips for this week are, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Highlanders, Brumbies, Cheetahs, Bulls, and Crusaders.
It’s good to see all the positive vibes coming out about the upcoming National Rugby Competition. It seems that the concept is really being embraced by all and sundry with plenty of discussion going on as to which players will be going where for the much overdue tournament. Keep an eye out for the details of the NSW Country Eagles franchise which is now up and running. Coaches have been announced with Darren Coleman as Head Coach and Mark Giucuri as his assistant, with James Grant the General Manager. They are on the lookout for players on the way up and would like to hear from regional club officials about anyone with the potential to become an NRC player. If you know such a player, give James Grant a call on 0404065667.
The IDRU Board have approved a proposal for the development of a Womens and Junior Girls 7’s Program in the Illawarra. Plans are in their infancy at the moment but things are up and running with this initiative. Keep an eye on the website for details in coming weeks.
The Under 14 and Under 15 Country Championships took place last week at Newcastle, with the Illawarrior Under 14 Squad winning their third straight Country Title. In a dominant display from the current phone number library NSW State Champions, the boys went through the tournament undefeated. Scoring a total of 213 points in their 5 matches, the team conceded just 2 tries all weekend, winning the final against Newcastle Hunter by 36 points to 7. Joseph Dickson won the award for the Best Forward at the Tournament and 12 players were named in the Country Under 14 Squad. Coaches Ron Davis and Kieran Smith now have the job to get the boys ready to defend their state title on the June long weekend. The Under 15’s lost their opening matches against Central Coast and Central West but recovered to win their third match 17 – 15 over New England. In the play off for fifth place the boys were too strong for Far North Coast winning 22 – 5 to finish fifth overall.
The standout match in the Super 15 this week is the top of the table clash between the Sharks and the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night. Judging by some of the comments in the press this week, it’s going to be a match with plenty of feeling. The Brumbies have the chance to consolidate their place at the top of the Aussie conference with the Waratahs having the Bye. The Rebels have a hard one at home against the Hurricanes. The Force has a chance to leapfrog the Waratahs but have to overcome the Cheetahs in the republic to do so. The Reds are up against it with the Crusaders at home. After getting seven out of seven last week, my tips for this week are, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Highlanders, Brumbies, Cheetahs, Bulls, and Crusaders.
It’s good to see all the positive vibes coming out about the upcoming National Rugby Competition. It seems that the concept is really being embraced by all and sundry with plenty of discussion going on as to which players will be going where for the much overdue tournament. Keep an eye out for the details of the NSW Country Eagles franchise which is now up and running. Coaches have been announced with Darren Coleman as Head Coach and Mark Giucuri as his assistant, with James Grant the General Manager. They are on the lookout for players on the way up and would like to hear from regional club officials about anyone with the potential to become an NRC player. If you know such a player, give James Grant a call on 0404065667.
The IDRU Board have approved a proposal for the development of a Womens and Junior Girls 7’s Program in the Illawarra. Plans are in their infancy at the moment but things are up and running with this initiative. Keep an eye on the website for details in coming weeks.